Righteousness is not a commonly-used word, but it is the "entrance ticket" to eternity. Righteousness, perfection, a non-negotiable.

For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.--Matthew 5:20 TNIV

"C'mon Jesus, nobody's perfect!" Yes, but righteousness is the requirement, something we do not have. So as Jesus continues his famous Sermon on the Mount (Mat 5-7) he continues to challenge our thoughts, if not our "common sense." He says here that he did not set aside The Law, but that it's more important than ever to heed and teach the commands. Really?

Yes, really. He even uses the hypocritical Pharisees as role models for us. Unless our righteousness exceeds theirs...we don't have a prayer. But we DO have a prayer. Imputed righteousness. By grace through faith in Christ, that which is NOT ours, the righteousness of Christ, is credited to our "account." Grace confers what we do not possess...righteousness. That's what makes grace amazing!